Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Maemul Islands (매물도) refer to the three islands in Maejuk-ri, Hansan-myeon: Daemaemul Island (대매물도), Somaemul Island (소매물도), and Deungdae (lighthouse) Island (등대도, also known as Geulssingiseom Island (글씽이섬)). The best view can be seen from the sea cliffs of Somaemuldo Island and Deungdaedo Island. Somaemuldo Island, whose entire area is no more than 2.51㎢, is the main island, and Daemaemuldo Island, Hongdo Island, Deungdaedo Island (Haeguemdo Island), Daegueulbido Island and Sogueulbido Island are all smaller islets scattered around the main island. Somaemuldo Island is home to about 20 households. If you hike up the hill behind the village, you can reach the highest point of Somaemuldo Island, or Mangtaebong. There is a natural observation spot where you can look out at all the islets of Tongyeong including Deungdae Island as well as Haegeumgang of Geoje. The waves hitting the cliffs, generating white foams and rainbow sprays, is one of the most fascinating views on Korean southern coast. At the peak of summer, you can enjoy water sports or try scuba-diving in the deep areas. Visitors are strongly recommended to look around Somaemuldo Island by passenger boat from which it’s easier to see the surrounding cliffs and wave action.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The Korean Financial History Museum was established by Shinhan Bank in 1997 with the purpose of helping the general public gain a deeper understanding of the development and history of Korea's finance industry. The museum features displays on financial history, Korean money, and the history of Shinhan Bank, as well as educational programs.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Sahaebang is a major Chinese restaurant in Nampodong, specializing in mandu (dumplings).


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

'Located at the entrance to Jirisan Mountain in Namsa-ri, Sancheong County and blessed with a beautiful natural environment, Namsa Yedamchon Village, along with Andong Hahoe Village, is the representative village of traditional hanok (traditional Korean houses) in Gyeongsang-do Province and is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Korea. The village is well-known for its 3.2km-long low stone wall, and the name 'Namsa Yedamchon' implies 'a village with old walls' in the hope that we emulate classical scholars’ spirit and courtesy. The Old Walls of Namsa Village were designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 281. Along with the old walls, a total of nine cultural heritages were designated as national treasures or cultural properties including the House of the Choi Clan (Gyeongnam’s Cultural Property Material No. 117) and the House of the Yi Clan (Gyeongnam’s Cultural Property Material No. 118). Namsa Yedamchon Village was also selected as a Rural Traditional Theme Village, operating various programs related to traditional learning experiences including farming, traditional games, trip to old houses, and seodang (village school) experience. As a typical noble family’s house in the southern area, Wolgang gotaek (the House of the Choi Clan) is situated in the middle of Namsa Yedamchon Village. This outstanding hanok house offers many charms including a beautiful wall stretching from the public parking lot to the house, a tall gate with exceptional x_height, and 230-year-old Japanese apricot tree as well as its large size and splendid features. Its head family of the house is the Maesa House of Jeonju Choi’s Clan in Hangnim-ri, Goseong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, and they have lived in the area since their great-great-grandfather. As for the house buildings, the Anchae (women’s quarters) was built in 1920; the Sarangchae (men’s quarters) was completed in 1921, the Byeolchae (detached house) named 'Iknangchae,' the Gwangchae (storage), and the barn were built during the same period. The buildings are arranged in 'ㅁ'-shaped structure – the Anchae at the center with the Sarangchae, the Iknangchae, and the Gwangchae. There are two inner gates on the right and left to the Sarangchae. The Anchae and the Iknangchae cannot be seen from the west inner gate, according to the Confucian idea about separate spaces for men and women. The Anchae with 6 kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) in front and 3 kan on the sides has toenmaru (the narrow wooden porch running along the outside of the building) in front and on the rear side, semi-hipped roof, and high ceiling. The Anchae is composed of kitchen, main room, small room, daecheong (main floored room), and another small room, which retains its refined design of the door. The Sarangchae with 5 kan in front and 3 kan on the sides is a house with several wings and a semi-hipped roof. It is composed of two rooms, daecheong, another two rooms, and a room with wooden floor. The Sarangchae is characterized by its round pillars. Facing the east, the iknangchae with 4 kan in front and 2 kan on the sides consists of daecheong, room with ondol (Korean heating system), and storage space for food materials. Wolgang gotaek was chosen as a Korea Noble House in 2014. The owner is planning to expand the accommodations by building two rooms in the Sarangchae and a separate room in the Iknangchae for the convenience of guests. It is set to modernize various facilities including toilets, TV, air conditioner, wireless Internet, and kitchen equipment as well as provide diverse hands-on programs such as tea ceremony and traditional games. The owner aims to offer guests an opportunity to enjoy staying in an old hanok house with a comfortable environment by preserving the beauty of old hanok and its tradition without damaging the house with various activities.


Sejong()

Mokhyangjae, which literally means a ’house with tree fragrance,’ is a traditional Korean pension house which stands alone beside a boulevard surrounded by apartment complexes. Entering the garden with a low fence, you will be greeted by the antique two-story Korean style building. The building of Mokhyangjae was built in the style of a palace with red pine tree used for the crossbeam and pillars. With a feeling of magnificence and coziness at the same time, the rafter ceiling shows the wood grain and the sliding door pasted with traditional Korean paper adds to the flavor of the traditional Korean style house. The rooms are composed of the traditional Ondol Room where one or two persons can stay; the Ordinary Room is equipped with a bedroom and an attic; and the Deluxe Room has a wide traditional Ondol room for guests from solo travelers to families. The bedroom and the living room also have traditional display cupboard and heavy hardwood table which had been used by the owner of the house, adding to the flavor of the traditional Korean style house. Equipped with cartoons and picture books, the attic is a favorite place of children. Scattered with stepping stones, the front yard of the house is filled with Sansuyu, magnolia, and cherry trees that blossom in spring. Mokhyangjae is running a traditional teahouse as well. The teahouse was opened thanks to the Chinese husband who enjoys tea, and most of the teas are imported from China. You can have a taste of dozens of kinds of teas including puer tea and red tea, along with a simple tea confectionery.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun)

Joseon Wangga is a museum hotel built on the basis of Yeomgeundang, an old house of Lee Geun who is the grandson of Emperor Gojong. Yeomgeundang was constructed in 1807 and was moved from Jongno-gu, Seoul, to Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do to keep the architectural heritage of the traditional royal family of Korea. After 5 months of dismantling work, all the roof tiles, crossbeam, rafters, pillars, foundation stones, stylobate stones, terrace stones, etc. were moved to the current place and Joseon Wangga was completed by reassembling the house for 27 months. As a result, the hidden royal house was turned into an open space for everyone to stay and experience. Staying at the royal house is the same as experiencing the culture of the royal family. There are 15 rooms in total and all the rooms are equipped with bathroom, air conditioner, refrigerator, etc. Smoke therapy and making herbal soaps are offered as experiencing programs. A tea ceremony set is prepared in the room, and paid breakfast of Eosuri Bap (Rice mixed with cow parsnip) can be served if a reservation is made in advance. The house can be rented as a place of traditional wedding or workshop. In the garden of the hotel are a small pond and a trail well tended for a rest in nature. Together with the traditional style hotel, 15 sets of royal cabana, a glamping facility, are operated for luxurious camping.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

The Blue Dragon Film Awards draws all Korean stars to the red carpet. Hosted by Korea's Sports Chosun newspaper, the Blue Dragon Film Awards Show started in 1963 with the goal of raising the quality of Korean movies and further developing Korea's movie industry. The Blue Dragon has now established itself as the Grand Prix of Korean movie cinema and is the undisputed authority in the field.The selection among the movies released in the previous year is made based on the number of votes cast by Netizens and the opinions of movie experts. Then the final winner is selected by a nine-member jury recommended by the Executive Committee. Awards Program: The Blue Dragon Film Awards considers only blockbusters and popular movies of high artistic value released during the previous year. During the award period, about 40 movies that have made to the final list are screened to the public for free.After the screening of each selection, the awards ceremony opens in full swing. The categories are Best Film, Best Director, Best New Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best New Actor, Best New Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Art Direction, Technical Award, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Lighting, each recognizing those who have contributed to the development of Korean movies.Other interesting categories are the Most Popular awarded to the star that received the most Netizen votes and the Most Popular Film awarded to the movie with the highest viewership throughout the previous year. A week prior to the award ceremony, the previous year's award recipients gather for a handprint event to immortalize their Blue Dragon award. Festival Highlights: Since this is an awards ceremony, guessing which movie will be the winner and comparing your guess with the official results is one way to enjoy the ceremony. This is also a chance to see all of Korea's most popular stars in one place, so a camera is a must. The shows by popular artists during the award ceremony also add to the entertainment.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

'Soo Guesthouse located in Namsan-dong, Jung-gu is a two-story house transformed into a guesthouse. The biggest advantage of staying at this guesthouse is its location, which is right in the middle of downtown Seoul. Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market, and N Seoul Tower are all within walking distance. It's also a mere 2-3 minutes away from a subway station and the bus stop on foot. There are pictures on both exterior and interior walls, painted by the owner of the guesthouse. All the seven guestrooms look different from each other. There are many pretty accessories on each step of the stairway. It's a great place to stay for both tourists and business travelers.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun)

Godaesan Mountain (832 meters) is located next to Sintalli Station, which is the railroad disconnection point of the Gyeongwon Line. It is also on the way to Geumgangsan Mountain. Godaesan is ideal for mountain hiking because of its natural beauty and well-preserved ecosystem. Moreover, this is the only mountain in South Korea on which the North Korean territory can be seen. There are several theories about the origin of the mountain's name. One is that the mountain had been referred to as "keungore" (big whale) in the past by local residents. Another is that the mountain looks like the banggorae (smoke duct) of a Korean traditional heating system when seen from the Sintan area; this is because the mountain's deep valleys resemble the furrows under that house that facilitate the passage of hot air to heat the room above. On a topographic map, the mountain was also marked as "Gotae" (like the constellations high above). Godaesan also has a dense forest, making it a suitable source of timber and charcoal. Because of its abundant forest resources, a jumak (a tavern or inn that served food and liquor and provided lodging to travelers) village was formed here. The place was well-known for charcoal production prior to the Korean War. On November 4, 1907, 150 soldiers from the Korean militia fought a fierce battle with the 8th Company of the Japanese Army's 20th Infantry Regiment in Yeoncheon. After the fight, the Korean militia were scattered throughout the jumak village. Later on, 60 of them engaged in a fierce battle again with the Japanese soldiers on Godaesan. This is a place imbued with the brave spirit of the Korean people.